Sydney Sweeney showed off a shock physical transformation to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic as filming began in North Carolina on Sunday.
The Euphoria actress, 27, who left fans stunned with her new look on set, appeared to have her famous bust taped back as she sported a baggy tee and grey shorts while walking to set.
The star – known for her blonde bombshell look and famed curves – completed the transformation with a curly brown wig and white and grey sneakers.
She wore minimal make-up as she chatted with the crew members while keeping her enviable curves under wraps.
Sweeney earlier covered up her famed curves in a brown shirt, blue hoodie and joggers on set.
The Euphoria actress, 27, who left fans stunned with her new look on set , appeared to have her famous bust taped back on set – pictured February 2024
Known as ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’ thanks to her father’s job, Christy, 56, originally from West Virginia, is credited with putting women’s boxing on the map after taking on Deirdre Gogarty in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1996.
She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, appeared on talk shows and even made guest appearances on US sitcoms.
Yet her life away from the cameras was anything but glamorous. Christy has spoken to the Daily Telegraph about how she spent 20 years suffering abuse at the hands of her husband, James ‘Jim’ Martin, who was also her trainer.
On November 23, 2010, he stabbed Christy stabbed several times and shot her at least once in her torso, leaving her for dead.
The attack reportedly occurred after an argument at home – Christy survived the assault.
In June 2012 Jim was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Christy now works as a promoter and has been married to Lisa Holewyne, a fellow former boxer who she used to meet in the ring, since 2017, after coming out as a lesbian in the wake of her marriage ending.
In May Martin revealed she was ecstatic over the actress taking on the challenge of playing her and said she would also be eager to help her train for the role.
The star – known for her blonde bombshell look and famed curves – completed the transformation with a curly brown wig and white and grey sneakers
Sweeney kept her hourglass curves covered up during the day
Christy, 56, originally from West Virginia , is credited with putting women’s boxing on the map after taking on Deirdre Gogarty in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1996 – pictured with husband Jim in 1996
While speaking about the project, which will be directed by filmmaker David Michôd, she told TMZ that she is thrilled about the casting, especially considering Sweeney’s experience in MMA and combat sports.
The Emmy-nominated actress said she was ready for the ‘physically and emotionally demanding’ part in the biopic, which will be put on the market at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Hall of Fame boxer gushed over Sweeney and also wholly refuted the claims that the Euphoria star ‘is not pretty and she can’t act’ as previously stated by a top Hollywood producer.
‘I think she is young, hot, talented,’ she said about the leading lady.
She added that Sweeney is ‘about to make a movie that in 20+ years, fathers will watch with their daughters to make them aware of domestic violence.’
Martin also explained the importance of the biopic because it’s about more than just her boxing career and journey.
‘I want this movie to bring awareness to domestic violence, the challenge of sexuality and overall underdog story,’ she said.
‘I am a coal miner’s daughter from a small town in southern West Virginia that made an impact in a sport that wasn’t taken seriously — women’s boxing.’
And although Martin was not involved in the casting and has not spoken to Sweeney yet, she said she was honored that the Euphoria alum will be taking on the role.
She added that she would love to help her with boxing training, which Sweeney has experience in already.
In May Martin revealed she was ecstatic over the actress taking on the challenge of playing her and said she would also be eager to help her train for the role; seen in August 2020
Sweeney previously said that she ‘grappled and did kickboxing from 12 to 19 years old.’
‘I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body,’ she told Deadline.
Additionally, Martin added that she would love to make a cameo as a nod to her fans.
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, is once again demonstrating her commitment to fully embodying a character for an upcoming role. This time, she’s undergoing a striking transformation to portray famed boxer Christy Martin, known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” in a biopic about the legendary fighter’s life. Recent behind-the-scenes photos have shown Sweeney with her chest visibly taped down, sparking buzz about her dedication to capturing the look and essence of the iconic boxer.
An Iconic Transformation
Christy Martin, one of the most famous female boxers in history, was a trailblazer in the sport during the 1990s, known for her aggressive fighting style and for breaking gender barriers in boxing. Her matches garnered widespread attention, especially after a prominent 1996 fight on a Mike Tyson undercard that helped bring women’s boxing into the mainstream spotlight. For Sydney Sweeney, portraying such a prominent figure means not only training extensively to mimic Martin’s fighting techniques but also altering her appearance to reflect the physical reality of a female boxer.
The recent images of Sweeney with her chest taped back suggest a deliberate attempt to flatten her bust, a move that aligns with the lean and muscular physique typical of many female fighters. Christy Martin, known for her powerful punches and toughness in the ring, didn’t fit the stereotypical image of femininity, often opting for a more rugged and athletic look. Sweeney’s efforts to visually embody Martin’s form signal a strong dedication to authenticity in her portrayal.
Taping Back for a Realistic Appearance
The use of chest tape is not uncommon among actresses who need to alter their physical appearance for a role. By taping down her chest, Sweeney is aiming to achieve a more androgynous and athletic silhouette, allowing for a portrayal that emphasizes the grit and toughness associated with boxing. The process can be uncomfortable and requires precise application to avoid injury, but it is an effective technique used by performers to better align with the physical traits of the character they are portraying.
For Sweeney, this transformation is more than just a visual change; it’s a way to connect with the physicality of Christy Martin’s life as a boxer. The decision to tape her chest reflects a larger commitment to the role, showing that the actress is willing to go beyond mere acting and engage in the kind of bodily transformation that helps make performances more believable and compelling.
Training to Play a Champion
Sweeney’s preparation for the role extends beyond altering her physical appearance. The actress has reportedly been undergoing rigorous boxing training to replicate Martin’s fighting style and conditioning. This includes learning proper footwork, punching techniques, and even taking hits in order to portray Martin’s battles in the ring realistically. Sweeney’s approach mirrors the dedication seen in other actors who have taken on physically demanding roles, such as Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby or Robert De Niro in Raging Bull.
By combining physical training with changes to her appearance, Sweeney is aiming to bring a holistic portrayal of Christy Martin to the screen. Her efforts to tap into the boxer’s fighting spirit and reflect her appearance show a dedication to not only honoring Martin’s legacy but also delivering a performance that resonates with viewers on a visceral level.
A Bold Move for Sydney Sweeney
This role marks a significant departure from Sweeney’s previous work, as she steps away from the glamorous and dramatic roles she’s become known for to tackle a character grounded in physicality and strength. Playing Christy Martin offers her the chance to showcase a different set of skills, both in terms of acting and physical endurance. If the buzz surrounding her transformation is any indication, audiences are already eager to see how she brings the boxing legend’s story to life.
Ultimately, Sydney Sweeney’s decision to tape back her chest and undergo intense training for the role of Christy Martin demonstrates her commitment to the craft and her determination to do justice to the pioneering athlete’s story. The upcoming film will not only explore Martin’s journey in the ring but also delve into her life outside of boxing, providing Sweeney with a complex and multi-faceted character to portray.
